Barton Hart was a whirlwind of energy and inspiration who taught me music at West Bridgford High School in the late 60's. I also seem to remember he had a penchant for history.
Most of the school's academic staff were either trainees, newly qualified or post retired teachers. And though Barton Hart was certainly in the latter category, his enthusiasm for his subject always illuminated the lesson.
He was a likeable character from a bygone era, from his flamboyant tweeds to his snuff box and old banger of a car that we used to marvel at from the window above.
As a teacher he used to try and engage us, rather than simply try and keep the class in order. The highlight of this approach was when he used to invite us to bring a favourite record to the music class once a month.
I chose Mason Williams 'Classical Gas' I had to announce it to the class and he was obviously impressed by my choice, probably thinking that here was a chance to give us an authoritative exposition of Classic Jazz.
Some 20 minutes later (a long time when others wanted to play their choice), I meekly put my hand up to say that correct title was in fact 'Classical Gas' rather than the Classical Jazz genre..
He paused and looked at me quizzically, then stared at record and took a pinch of snuff before muttering; "I see." Unperturbed, his pivoted on the spot and at the third attempt successfully dropped the needle into the groove.
'Classical Gas' was an acoustic instrumental guitar piece which I think he found quite pleasant if undemanding. It was also accompanied by strings, which gave him the opportunity to wax lyric about the arrangement and the fact I had done well to spot that, though in truth I didn't know what an arrangement was, but simply liked the song's energy.
The point is I left that class room feeling ten foot tall. Such moments were rare in my formative school days and wouldn't have happened without Barton Hart's open mind and his innovative approach which even in the autumn of his career made him both special and unique.
We only saw him once a week which makes me think he was probably temping, but I for one was glad to have been in his orbit:)
Barton Hart
in Mundella School General Chat
Posted
Barton Hart was a whirlwind of energy and inspiration who taught me music at West Bridgford High School in the late 60's. I also seem to remember he had a penchant for history.
Most of the school's academic staff were either trainees, newly qualified or post retired teachers. And though Barton Hart was certainly in the latter category, his enthusiasm for his subject always illuminated the lesson.
He was a likeable character from a bygone era, from his flamboyant tweeds to his snuff box and old banger of a car that we used to marvel at from the window above.
As a teacher he used to try and engage us, rather than simply try and keep the class in order. The highlight of this approach was when he used to invite us to bring a favourite record to the music class once a month.
I chose Mason Williams 'Classical Gas' I had to announce it to the class and he was obviously impressed by my choice, probably thinking that here was a chance to give us an authoritative exposition of Classic Jazz.
Some 20 minutes later (a long time when others wanted to play their choice), I meekly put my hand up to say that correct title was in fact 'Classical Gas' rather than the Classical Jazz genre..
He paused and looked at me quizzically, then stared at record and took a pinch of snuff before muttering; "I see." Unperturbed, his pivoted on the spot and at the third attempt successfully dropped the needle into the groove.
'Classical Gas' was an acoustic instrumental guitar piece which I think he found quite pleasant if undemanding. It was also accompanied by strings, which gave him the opportunity to wax lyric about the arrangement and the fact I had done well to spot that, though in truth I didn't know what an arrangement was, but simply liked the song's energy.
The point is I left that class room feeling ten foot tall. Such moments were rare in my formative school days and wouldn't have happened without Barton Hart's open mind and his innovative approach which even in the autumn of his career made him both special and unique.
We only saw him once a week which makes me think he was probably temping, but I for one was glad to have been in his orbit:)